Seal at area beaches looks cuddly, but keep a distance

This is the gray seal seen at area beaches, which is an exceptionally rare sight south of the Cape Cod area. It is a juvenile male who is molting his brown coat. Since he is molting he will spend the majority of his time on land with brief intervals to feed. Treat him the same as you would a manatee.USACE photos by Jessica Malindine

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The seal, native to northern waters, basked on the shores of Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach before heading to Kure Beach Thursday afternoon. The mammal is going through a molt, replacing one fur coat with another, a process that requires time on shore, said Ann Pabst, co-director of the state's Marine Mammal Stranding Program.

"He needs to be on land for that," she said. "He needs rest and space so he can finish his molt and hopefully get on his way."

Gray seals typically aren't afraid of humans, Pabst said, so beachgoers should make sure to give the mammal his space. The seal is endangered, meaning it's against federal law to come within 50 yards – or half a football field - of one. Doing so could be hazardous to the health of both the animal and the curious beachgoer.

"That seal is a wild animal. It has amazingly sharp teeth. They carry diseases, and because he's a carnivore, he could potentially even carry rabies," Pabst said. "When the human and the seal come in close contact, one of those two is going to get hurt."

If avoiding the seal is impossible on a beach packed with Memorial Day travelers, visitors should call 911, Pabst said.

"All of the local municipalities know about it and they can get down there on scene," she said.

<p>The gray seal making himself comfortable on area beaches this week may look cute and cuddly, but sun worshipers heading to the shore this weekend should refrain from touching or interacting with him.</p><p>The seal, native to northern waters, basked on the shores of Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach before heading to Kure Beach Thursday afternoon. The mammal is going through a molt, replacing one fur coat with another, a process that requires time on shore, said Ann Pabst, co-director of the state's Marine Mammal Stranding Program.</p><p>"He needs to be on land for that," she said. "He needs rest and space so he can finish his molt and hopefully get on his way."</p><p>Gray seals typically aren't afraid of humans, Pabst said, so beachgoers should make sure to give the mammal his space. The seal is endangered, meaning it's against federal law to come within 50 yards – or half a football field - of one. Doing so could be hazardous to the health of both the animal and the curious beachgoer.</p><p>"That seal is a wild animal. It has amazingly sharp teeth. They carry diseases, and because he's a carnivore, he could potentially even carry rabies," Pabst said. "When the human and the seal come in close contact, one of those two is going to get hurt."</p><p>If avoiding the seal is impossible on a beach packed with Memorial Day travelers, visitors should call 911, Pabst said.</p><p>"All of the local municipalities know about it and they can get down there on scene," she said.</p><p><i></p><p>Kate Elizabeth Queram: 343-2217</p><p>On <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/news41"><b>Twitter</b></a>: @kate_goes_bleu</i></p>